The Fate of Pantages

There are not a lot of Pantages theatres left in North America. They once numbered 75. Ours is in remarkable shape and still being used. The city did own it and with some justification they sold it so that deeper pockets could maintain and possibly expand it. Or so they sold it. This was to have happened in March with a 120 day due diligence taking place.

The city says it hasn't been sold yet and the 120 day period has not yet begun. This is while the building remains empty and unused.

This seems typical for the city. The deal is not really a deal.

Meanwhile, arts groups who would book are now left scrambling.

City Council is in the dark. The asking price was something over $500,000. Have we got developers only interested in demolishing it and putting up a parking lot? Where is the city's due diligence? How about a non-refundable deposit for serious bidders.

It is hard not to be cynical when a working building is shut down with no plan, no comment and no answers.